Projection mapping system and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A light emission apparatus, spatially separated from a receiving panel, has a processor in communication with a first light source, a second light source, and computer memory. The computer memory has instructions that perform the following steps: (a) activate the first and second light sources to emit a first light wave and a second light wave toward the receiving plane; (b) determine a distance between the receiving plane and the light emission apparatus; (c) determine a first edge and a second edge of the receiving plane; (d) determine a first receiving location of the first light wave on the receiving panel; (e) determine a second receiving location of the second light wave on the receiving panel; (f) determine a preferred receiving location at the receiving panel; and (g) adjust the first and second light sources to emit adjusted first and second light waves to converge at the preferred receiving location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/036,772, which is pending and which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/622,959,filed Jun. 14, 2017. The entireties of each of the applications isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to projection mapping apparatus. Morespecifically, the invention relates to an apparatus for projecting animage onto a surface. The image may or may not be human readable.

BACKGROUND

Projection displays have been around for several years in many differentforms. While many industries take advantage of projection technology,one industry where such technology has been largely ignored is handtools. Generally speaking, hand tools have seen relatively fewadvancements over the years. This is especially true when it comes totape measures.

Currently, tape measures are effective for their intended purpose.However, they tend to be bulky and somewhat difficult to use, as a usermust both lay out the tape measure upon a surface and mark the surfacewhile attempting to hold the tape measure in position. This oftenresults in frustration, especially when the tape measure becomesdislodged from its desired position, twists, or the user has to takemeasure many different surfaces. Accordingly, it would be desirable tohave a projection tape measure which allows a user to measure a surfacewithout requiring him or her to physically hold any device.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineatethe scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some conceptsof the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented elsewhere herein.

In one embodiment, a projection system includes a projection apparatusembodied in a housing secured to a user. The projection apparatus has aprocessor in data communication with a networking device, at least oneinput/output device, and computer memory. The computer memory includes aprogram with machine readable instructions that, when effected byprocessor, perform the following steps: (a) determine an edge of asurface to be measured; (b) project an initial image onto the surface,the initial image being based on a predetermined set of conditions; (c)determine a substantially perpendicular distance D1 between theprojection apparatus and the surface; (d) determine a distance D2between the projection apparatus and the edge of the surface; (e)calibrate the initial image based on the distances D1 and D2 determinedin steps (c) and (d); and (f) project an updated image onto the surface.

In another embodiment, a projection system comprises a reference devicecomprising a processor in data communication with a networking deviceand at least one input/output device. The reference device is placed atan edge of a surface to be measured. The system further includes aprojection apparatus embodied in a housing secured to a user. Theprojection apparatus comprises a processor in data communication with anetworking device, at least one input/output device, and computermemory. The computer memory includes a program having machine readableinstructions that, when effected by processor, performs the followingsteps: (a) projecting an initial image onto the surface, the initialimage being based on a predetermined set of conditions; (b) determininga substantially perpendicular distance D1 between the projectionapparatus and the surface; (c) determining a distance D2 between theprojection apparatus and the reference device; (d) calibrating theinitial image based on the distances D1 and D2 determined in steps (b)and (c); (e) projecting an updated image onto the surface; and (f)repeating steps (b)-(e). The reference device and the projectionapparatus communicate over a network.

In still another embodiment, a projection system has a reference deviceand a projection apparatus embodied in a housing secured to a user. Theprojection apparatus includes a processor in data communication with anetworking device, at least one input/output device, and computermemory. The computer memory includes a program having machine readableinstructions that, when effected by processor, perform the followingsteps: (a) projecting an initial image onto the surface, the initialimage being based on a predetermined set of conditions; (b) determininga substantially perpendicular distance D1 between the projectionapparatus and the surface; (c) determining a distance D2 between theprojection apparatus and the reference device; (d) calibrating theinitial image based on the distances D1 and D2 determined in steps (b)and (c); (e) projecting an updated image onto the surface; and (f)repeating steps (b)-(e).

In still another embodiment, a marking and display system includes afirst array display apparatus having a viewing angle. The displayapparatus has a processor in data communication with a networkingdevice, at least one input/output device, and computer memory. Thecomputer memory includes a program having machine readable instructionsthat, when effected by processor, iteratively perform the followingsteps: (a) determining the presence of a distant surface; (b) marking,within the viewing angle, an edge of the distant surface and a pluralityof locations on the distant surface; (c) displaying an initial arrayonto an array receiving panel having a first panel edge and a secondpanel edge; (d) determining a distance D1 _(a)-D1 _(n) between thedisplay apparatus and each of the plurality of locations on the distantsurface; (e) determining a forward distance D2 between the displayapparatus and the array receiving panel; (f) determining a distance D3between the display apparatus and the edge of the distant surface; (g)determining a distance D4 between the first panel edge and the secondpanel edge; (h) calibrating the initial array on the array receivingpanel based on the distances D1 a-D1 n, D2, D3, and D4; and (i)projecting an updated array onto the array receiving panel.

In a further apparatus, a marking and display system has an arraydisplay apparatus with a viewing angle. The system comprises a processorin data communication with a networking device, at least oneinput/output device, and computer memory, the computer memory comprisinga program having machine readable instructions that, when effected byprocessor, iteratively perform the following steps: (a) determining thepresence of a distant surface; (b) marking, within the viewing angle, anedge of the distant surface and a plurality of locations on the distantsurface; (c) displaying an initial array onto an array receiving panelhaving a first panel edge and a second panel edge; (d) determining adistance D1 a-D1 n between the display apparatus and each of theplurality of locations on the distant surface; (e) determining a forwarddistance D2 between the display apparatus and the array receiving panel;(f) determining a distance D3 between the display apparatus and the edgeof the distant surface; (g) determining a distance D4 between the firstpanel edge and the second panel edge; (h) calibrating the initial arrayon the array receiving panel based on the distances D1 a-D1 n, D2, D3,and D4; (i) projecting an updated array onto the array receiving panel;(k) repeating steps (a) through (f) and (h). At step (c), the initialarray displayed on the array receiving panel is substituted with theupdated array from step (j); and the updated array at step (j) isreplaced by a second updated array.

In still yet another embodiment, a marking and display system includesan array display apparatus having a viewing angle. The system furthercomprises a processor in data communication with a networking device, atleast one input/output device, and computer memory, the computer memorycomprising a program having machine readable instructions that, wheneffected by processor, iteratively perform the following steps: (a)determining the presence of a distant surface; (b) marking, within theviewing angle, an edge of the distant surface and a location on thedistant surface; (c) determining the presence of an environmental objectof the distant surface; (d) displaying an initial array onto awindshield having a first edge and a second edge, the initial arraybeing based on the environmental object; (e) determining a distance D1between the display apparatus and the location on the distant surface;(f) determining a forward distance D2 between the display apparatus andthe windshield; (g) determining a distance D3 between the displayapparatus and the edge of the distant surface; (h) determining adistance D4 between the windshield first edge and second edge; (i)calibrating the initial array on the windshield based on the distancesD1, D2, D3, and D4; and (j) projecting an updated array onto the arrayreceiving panel.

According to still another embodiment, a light emitting system comprisesa light emission apparatus spatially separated from a receiving panel.The light emission apparatus includes a processor in data communicationwith a first light source and computer memory, and the computer memoryhas machine readable instructions that, when effected by the processor,perform the following steps: (a) activate the first light source to emita first light wave in the direction of the receiving plane at anemission angle Ω₁; (b) determine a distance D1 between the receivingplane and the light emission apparatus; (c) determine a first edge ofthe receiving plane; (d) determine a first receiving location of thefirst light wave on the receiving plane; (e) determine a distance D2between the first edge of the receiving plane and the first receivinglocation; (f) adjust the first light source based on the distances D1,D2, and the emission angle Ω₁; and (g) activate the first light sourceto emit an adjusted first light wave in the direction of the receivingpanel.

According to still yet another embodiment, a light emitting system has alight emission apparatus spatially separated from a receiving panel. Thelight emission apparatus includes a processor in data communication witha camera, a first light source, and computer memory, and the computermemory has machine readable instructions that, when effected by theprocessor, perform the following steps: (a) activate the camera torecord the receiving panel; (b) activate the first light source to emita first light wave in the direction of the receiving plane at anemission angle Ω₁; (c) determine a distance D1 between the receivingplane and the light emission apparatus; (d) determine a first edge ofthe receiving panel; (e) determine a first receiving location of thefirst light wave on the receiving panel; (f) determine a distance D2between the first edge of the receiving panel and the first receivinglocation; (g) adjust the first light source based on the distances D1,D2, and the emission angle Ω₁; (h) activate the first light source toemit an adjusted first light wave in the direction of the receivingpanel; and (i) transmit the recording from the camera to a sharingapparatus.

In a further embodiment, a light emitting system includes a lightemission apparatus spatially separated from a receiving panel. The lightemission apparatus has a processor in data communication with a firstlight source, a second light source, and computer memory. The computermemory includes machine readable instructions that, when effected by theprocessor, perform the following steps: (a) activate the first lightsource to emit a first light wave in the direction of the receivingplane at an emission angle Ω₁; (b) activate the second light source toemit a second light wave in the direction of the receiving plane at anemission angle Ω₂; (c) determine a distance D1 between the receivingplane and the light emission apparatus; (d) determine a first edge and asecond edge of the receiving plane, the first and second edges beingparallel; (e) determine a first receiving location of the first lightwave on the receiving panel; (f) determine a second receiving locationof the second light wave on the receiving panel; (g) determine apreferred receiving location at the receiving panel; (h) adjust thefirst light source to emit an adjusted first light wave in the directionof the preferred receiving location; and (i) adjust the second lightsource to emit an adjusted second light wave in the direction of thepreferred receiving location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a projection apparatus and systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a front view of an embodiment of the projection apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the projection apparatus of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the projection apparatus of FIG. 2Aincorporated into a hat.

FIG. 4A is a side view of another embodiment of the projection apparatusof FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the projection apparatus of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the projection apparatus of FIG. 4Aincorporated onto a pair of glasses.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by projectionapparatus systems according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a projection apparatus system accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a projection apparatus system accordingto another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a projection apparatus system accordingto still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a projection apparatus system accordingto another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed byprojection apparatus systems according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a light emitting apparatus andsystem according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13A is a top view of a light emitting apparatus according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13B is a side view of the light emitting apparatus of FIG. 13A.

FIGS. 14A-B are respective top views of a light emitting apparatusshowing convergence of light waves at a focal point.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by a lightemitting apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by a lightemitting apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Currently, the majority of hand tools do not incorporate any type ofprojection system. One exception is distance finders which useultrasonic and/or laser reflection techniques to determine a distancefrom the user to a surface. The user points the tool at a surface,presses a button to activate the laser, and the tool measures thedistance to the location where the laser is pointed. While these devicesare useful for determining the distance to a point, they are not tapemeasures. A tape measure cannot be substituted for a laser pointer wherethe user desires to, for example, mark a surface for cutting.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of projection mapping apparatus whichmay be useful as a tape measure projection device. Those of skill in theart shall understand that while reference is made herein to apparatusthat project tape measures, other projection apparatus are contemplatedwithin the scope of the invention and will become apparent from thedescription provided herein.

In one embodiment, a projection mapping system and apparatus includes aprojection apparatus 200 which may be configured to attach to a user'sperson or incorporated into an article worn by the user as describedherein. Electronic components of the projection apparatus 200 areillustrated in FIG. 1. The projection apparatus 200 includes a processor205 communicatively coupled to a networking device 210, one or moreinput/output devices 215, and computer memory 220. The processor 205 maybe configured through particularly configured hardware, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gatearray (FPGA), etc., and/or through execution of software (e.g., program225) to perform functions in accordance with the disclosure herein.

Memory 220 represents one or more of volatile memory (e.g., RAM) ornon-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, FLASH, magnetic media, optical media,etc.). Although shown within the projection apparatus 200, the memory220 may be, at least in part, implemented as network storage external tothe projection apparatus 200 which may be accessed via the networkdevice 210. The network device 210 may be implemented as one or both ofa wired network interface and a wireless network interface (e.g., Wi-Fi,Internet, Bluetooth, etc.), as is known in the art.

The network device 210 may allow the projection apparatus 200 tocommunicate over a network 250 with a reference device 270. The network250 may be a wireless network, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or otherwireless (or wired) network.

Program 225 may be stored in a transitory or non-transitory portion ofthe memory 220. Program 225 includes machine readable instructions that,when executed by the processor 205, perform one or more of the functionsof the device 200. In embodiments, the program 225 may includeinstructions for calculating distances and scales and projecting animage onto a surface (e.g., surface 100) as described in greater detailbelow with reference to FIG. 6.

An image database 223 may additionally be stored in the memory 220, oralternately may be stored in remote storage accessible over the network250. The image database 223 may contain various images of tape measureswhich may be projected onto a surface 100 via the projection apparatus200 according to the description provided herein. For example, there maybe tape measure images that display measurements according to the metricsystem, and other tape measure images that display measurementsaccording to the imperial system. Additionally, the user may prefer onecolor over another, and therefore there may be multiple images of tapemeasures in varying colors. Traditionalists may prefer the projection toshow the tape measure in yellow, which others may prefer a differentcolor (e.g., white, blue, green, orange, etc.). Accordingly, variousimages may be stored in the image database 223 accessible by theprocessor 205.

The input/output device 215 may include one or more input and/or outputdevices which may be embodied in a single device or multiple devices. Inone embodiment, the input/output device 215 includes at least aprojector for projecting an image onto a surface (e.g., surface 100).The input/output device 215 may additionally include a laser and/or acamera. Optionally, the input/output device 215 includes a UV laser formarking purposes, as is described below. In one embodiment, theinput/output device 215 may further include a speaker. The input/outputdevice 215 may still further include a button 215A and 215A′ (FIGS. 2Band 4B), for example, to allow the user to interact with the apparatus200 and/or the reference device 270, as described herein.

The reference device 270 may have a processor 275 communicativelycoupled to an input/output device 280 and a network device 285. Thenetwork device 285 may allow the reference device 270 to communicateover the network 250 with the projection apparatus 200.

The input/output device 280 may be an emitting device which emits asignal (e.g., over the network 250) which may be received by theprojection apparatus 200 in order to determine the distance between thereference device 270 and the projection apparatus 200. Alternately, thereference device 270 may be in communication (e.g., wired or wirelessly)with the projection apparatus 200 to communicate a distance from theprojection apparatus 200 to the reference device 270.

The projection apparatus 200 may be embodied in a variety of differentdevices. In one embodiment, the projection apparatus 200 may beincorporated into a handheld device, similar to a laser measuring deviceor flashlight. In another embodiment, the projection apparatus 200 maybe configured as a clip. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, and 4B illustrate exemplaryconfigurations of a clip. In FIG. 2A, the projection apparatus 200 isembodied in a clip having a housing 230 with apertures formed thereinthrough which one or more input/output devices 215 may extend. It shallbe understood by those of skill in the art that the input/outputdevice(s) 215 may not extend all the way through the aperture, but theaperture may allow the input/output device(s) 215 to give and/or receiveinformation to/from the system. The housing 230 further includes abutton 215A which the user may use to interact with the apparatus 200.An arm 234 may rotatably attach to the housing 230 via a pin 232 (forexample), and may be spring-loaded such that the arm 234 is maintainedin a closed position unless the user forcibly opens the arm 234 (e.g.,in order to attach the apparatus 200 to a wearable article). FIG. 3shows a hard hat 400 with a projection apparatus 200 attached thereto.The projection apparatus 200 may alternately be attached to otherwearable articles, such as a baseball cap or other type of hat, or to anarticle of clothing, such as to the user's collar.

In FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, an apparatus 200′ is configured for attachmentto safety goggles 450 or glasses. The apparatus 200′ includes a housing230′ and a clip 234′ which may be configured to engage with the nosebridge of the glasses 450. The clip 234′ may be adjustable to ensurethat the apparatus 200′ is securely attached to the goggles 450. Theapparatus 200′ includes at least out input/output device 215, and mayadditionally include a button 215A′ as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5.

The projection apparatus 200 may preferably be adjustable such that theinput/output device 215 is appropriately oriented. For example, thehousing 230 may be adjustably attached to a plate which may be securedto the arm 234 via the pin 232. The position of the housing 230 maytherefore be adjusted as necessary. Alternately, in embodiments, theprojection apparatus 200 may be incorporated directly into items such asthe hard hat or safety goggles.

The electronic components of the apparatus 200 may be battery operated,solar powered, or may receive power by any other means now known orlater developed. In one embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes arechargeable battery which may be recharged using solar power,electrical power, etc.

The features of the various components described herein shall be furtherunderstood by way of examples of the projection apparatus 200 in a useconfiguration. Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary set of processsteps is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention. Theprocess begins at step 600, when the user determines that a surfacerequires a measurement. At step 602, the user may activate the referencedevice 270 and places the reference device 270 such that it abuts oneend of the surface 100, as shown in FIG. 8. Further discussion of thereference device 270 is provided below.

Moving on to step 604, the projection apparatus 200 is activated. Theprojection apparatus 200 may be activated via, for example, a button215A on the apparatus 200. The button 215A may cause the apparatus 200to turn to an “on” mode. Alternately, the apparatus 200 may be equippedwith for example, a gyroscope which may detect movement of the user'shead. When the user shakes his or her head, the apparatus 200 may beactivated.

At step 606, upon activation, the apparatus 200 may project an initialimage 150 onto the surface 100 (see FIG. 7). The initial image 150 maynot yet be the user's desired depiction of a tape measure. For example,the projection apparatus 200 may be initially programmed to project animage from the image database 223 of a tape measure showing measurementsaccording to the imperial measurement system. However, the user mayprefer that the measurements be shown according to the metric system.Additionally, the initial image 150 may be programmed to project theinitial image 150 based on pre-set reference conditions. However, thereference conditions may not accurately portray the position of the userin reference to the surface 100, and therefore, the initial image 150may project inaccurate units of measurement (e.g., one inch as projectedin the initial image 150 is not a true representation of one inch).

Nevertheless, the process moves to step 608, wherein the user selectsthe desired tape measure image from the image database 223. The user maybe able to change the image in order to customize the system ofmeasurement (e.g., imperial or metric) by toggling through the imagesstored on the image database 223 to arrive at the desired image, e.g.,via the button 215A or 215A′. Additionally, the user may be able toselect an image that is color preferential to the user. Once the userarrives at his or her preferred image, the user's preferences may beautomatically stored in the memory 220 and recalled each time the useractivates the projection apparatus 200.

Moving on to step 610, once the user has selected his or her preferredimage, the processor 205 begins the process of calibrating the projectedimage to the user's position in relation to the surface 200. As notedabove, the projection apparatus 200 may be programmed to project aninitial image 150 based on pre-set reference conditions at which theprojected image portrays units of measurement in accurate one-inchunits. For example, referring again to FIG. 7, the reference conditionsmay assume that a distance D1 from the projection apparatus 200 to thesurface 100 is equal to 2 feet, and the distance D2 from the edge of thesurface 105 to the center point CP1 of the projected image is 6 inches.At these conditions, a reference angle α between the user and the end ofthe surface 105, calculated using the equation sin θ=D1/D2, is 26.56degrees. At these conditions, the projection apparatus 200 may projectan image of a tape measure, wherein the increments of measurement areshown at exactly 1 inch. However, it is unlikely that the user willmaintain these reference conditions. As the user moves closer to or awayfrom the surface 100, the scale of the image must be altered such thatthe projected image still accurately displays the units of the tapemeasure. Accordingly, the position of the user relative to the surface100 must be determined.

At step 610 a, the processor 205 causes the projection apparatus 200 toactivate one or more output devices 215 (e.g., a laser) to measure theactual distance l₁ (FIG. 8) from the user U (having the projectionapparatus 200 attached thereto) to the center point CP at surface 100.Using techniques known to those of skill in the art, the distance l₁ maybe ascertained.

At step 610 b, the projection apparatus 200 communicates with thereference device 270, e.g., over the network 250 via networking devices210 and 285, respectively, to determine the location of the referencedevice 270. Knowing the location of the reference device 270, theprocessor 205 is able to determine the distance l₂ between theprojection apparatus 200 and the reference device 270.

The reference device 270 may, in one embodiment, be a smart phoneequipped with downloadable software (e.g., a smart phone application)that allows it to communicate with the projection apparatus 200. Inorder to use the smart phone as the reference device 270, the user mayaccess the smart phone application on the phone, which may, among otherthings, activate the networking device 285 such that the projectionapparatus 200 may communicate with the phone. For example, after thedistance l₂ is determined, a planar verification display pattern may beprojected onto the surface intended to be measured. The projecteddisplay pattern could show geometric shapes with known ratios such assquares, circles, etc. The projected sequence of predictable patternsmay be shown sequentially along the surface in order to verify that thesurface is flat (or being measured on a common plane). Adjustments insoftware can be made to adjust for planar integrity for any skewing ofthe plane of measurement. In one embodiment, the software may beconfigured to adjust for contoured surfaces utilizing 3D mapping andmarking techniques including stereoscopic viewing of the projecteddisplay pattern.

In embodiments, the reference device 270 may be omitted. For example, inone embodiment, the projection apparatus 200 may include a camera (e.g.,as an input/output device 215). Using traditional gradient imageprocessing techniques, the processor 205 may be able to ascertain theend 105 of the surface 100, and thus determine the length l₂. In stillanother embodiment, the end 105 of the surface 100 may be marked with amarker (e.g., via a marking device such as a UV laser, etching, red dotmarking, or via any other marker currently in use or later developed).The projection apparatus 200 may be configured to recognize the markerin order to ascertain the position of the end 105 of the surface 100,and thus determine the length l₂.

Moving on, at step 610 c, the processor 205 determines the missinglength l₃ based on the Pythagorean Theorem for right triangles:a²+b²=c². The unit of the length l₃ may be determined based on theuser's selection of the system of measurement. For example, if the userselects the imperial system, then the lengths l₁, l₂, and l₃ may bemeasured and determined in inches and feet. Alternately, if the userselects the metric system, then the lengths l₁, l₂, and l₃ may bemeasured and determined in centimeters and meters. More advancednon-linear methods may alternately be used to calculate the measurementof length l₃. One such reiterative method involves differential calculuswhich would allow contoured measurements of surfaces that are notresiding on a single flat plane.

Having determined the length l₃, the processor 205 then calculates theangle θ between the user and the end of the surface 105. For example, ifthe user is 2.7′ (32.4 inches) from the surface 100 (l₁), and thedistance l₂ is determined to be 40 inches, then the angle θ between theuser and the end of the surface 105 as determined by trigonometricprinciples is 35.9 degrees. Once the processor 105 determines the lengthl₃, and the angle θ, the process moves to step 610 d. The processor 205is not limited to a single angle θ measurement in order to provide moreprecise results in measurement. Multiple calculations may be made insuccession in order to provide a desired precision resultingmeasurement.

At step 610 d, the processor 205 determines the factor by which the sizeof the projected image must be altered such that the units ofmeasurement of the projected image correspond with the length l₃determined at step 610 c. In our example, the ratio of the referenceangle to the actual angle is 0.74. Therefore, the image must be scaleddown in length by a factor of 0.74. Using methods of scaling known tothose of skill in the art, the program may be configured to scale theprojected image 150 by the appropriate factor.

At step 610 e, the projection apparatus 200 projects the altered imageonto the surface 100, wherein the altered image is appropriately scaledbased on the position of the user to the surface 100 as described above.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, the user may be a distance Lfrom the end of the surface 105. Those of skill in the art may recognizethat in order for the projected image to be as accurate as possible, itmay be desirable for the user to be positioned such that the projectionapparatus 200 is substantially perpendicular to the surface 100.Therefore, to measure distances that are farther away from the end ofthe surface 105 (e.g., distances greater than the beam angle γ, or theangle of the beam from the projection apparatus 200), the user may haveto move into the general vicinity of the final measurement. The distanceL may be greater than the beam angle γ. Here, the distances L₁ and L₂may be determined as described above regarding l₁ and l₂. Using thePythagorean Theorem, the program 223 may determine the distance L.Additionally, as the beam angle γ from the projection apparatus isknown, and the distance L₁ may be determined as described herein, thedistance L₃ between the center point of the projection beam and the edgeof the beam may be determined. For example, using the equation tanγ=L₃/L₁ (wherein γ is ½ the beam angle), the program may determinedistance L₃. Since the user may not be standing at the end 105 of thesurface 100, and the beam of projection is limited, the image of thetape measure may start at point U, the unit of which may be equal to thedistance L less distance L₃. For example, if the user is standing 20inches from the end of the surface 105, and the beam projects an image 8inches across, the point P will show the beginning of the tape measurestarting at 16 inches.

The process may repeat steps 610 a through 610 e in a continuous loop toensure that the projected image of the tape measure is consistentlyaccurate. In one embodiment, multiple differential calculations may bemade and accumulated to provide increased precision to the overallmeasurement results to the user.

Optionally, in one embodiment, the process moves to step 612, where theuser may be able to lock the projected image. For example, the user maypress the button 215A or 215A′ (e.g., two quick presses of the button)to lock the image in place. Alternately, the user may be able toeffectuate a movement by his head to lock the image (e.g., moving hishead in a quick up-and-down movement). By locking the image in place,the user may cause the process to stall at step 620 until the image isunlocked. The user may unlock the image at step 614 by pressing thebutton, shaking his head, or other means. Once the image is unlocked,the process may return to step 610 as described above.

The process ends at step 616 with the user deactivating the projectionapparatus 200.

In another embodiment, a projection apparatus is configured to projectan image onto a surface. The image may be based on one or more directand/or indirect measurements. In other words, one or more direct and/orindirect measurements may be utilized to provide a unique projectedperspective image. In one embodiment, the projection apparatus issubstantially similar to the projection apparatus 200, and includes aprocessor in data communication with a networking device, at least oneinput/output device, and computer memory that has programming that, wheneffected by a processor, performs various steps for providing an image.The steps include determining a distance between the projectionapparatus 200 and at least one surface, and projecting an image that isbased on the determined distance. The process may be iterative, and itshould be understood that the image which may be projected can bedynamic, or may change over time. The image may change incrementally, ormay change substantially over time.

According to another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG.10, a display apparatus 1000 is disposed near an array receiving surface1005, such as a windshield. The array receiving surface 1005 has a firstedge 1007 and a second edge 1010. The display apparatus 1000 has aviewing angle λ (represented by the broken lines in FIG. 10). Thedisplay apparatus 1000 may be similar to the projection apparatus 200,except as is shown and described herein. Here, display apparatus 1000 isoperable to determine a distance to a surface 1020 in front of theapparatus 1000, and to display an image onto the array receiving surface1005 that is based on information about the surface 1020. In anembodiment, the information about the surface 1020 is one or moreutility lines 1025 which may be disposed above ground or underground.The information may optionally also include the surface 1020 itself. Inother words, the image displayed on the array receiving surface 1005 maybe of the environmental object 1025, and/or of the surface 1020.Accordingly, a user may be presented with an alternative view of thesurface 1020 and the environmental objects 1025. Preferably, however, auser has an unobstructed view the surface 1020 together with a layeredimage of the environmental objects 1025 in order to provide the userwith a useful, real-time accurate image of objects within the field ofview of the apparatus 1000.

Various methods may be used to determine the information about thesurface 1020. In embodiments, the display apparatus 1000 may be equippedwith a camera which may scan the surface 1020 for information which isreadily seen by the camera. In other embodiments, the display apparatus1000 may be equipped with sonar technology, which may be used to sendsound waves underground to determine the presence of underground utilitylines. Other methods of determining underground objects, whether nowknown or later developed, may be used to detect the presence of objectson or under the surface 1020.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a closed loop system having varioussteps performed by the display apparatus 1000 in conjunction withprogramming effected by a processor. The process starts at step S1100,where the display apparatus 1000 detects the presence of a surface 1020.The surface 1020 may be, for example, an area of earth or an objectwithin the viewing panel of the display apparatus 1000. At step S1110,the apparatus 1000 marks an edge 1022 of the surface 1020. The edge 1022is within the viewing panel of the display apparatus 1000. The apparatus1000 then determines and marks one or more locations a-n on the surface1020 at step S1112. Optionally, at step S1114, the apparatus 1000 maydetermine the presence of an environmental object (e.g., a utility line1025) on or under the surface 1020. At step S1116, the programmingdetermines whether the system has an updated array. If not (e.g., thefirst time through the process), the apparatus 1000 displays an initialarray onto the image receiving surface 1005 at step S1118. If the systemhas an updated array, then the apparatus 1000 replaces the initial arraywith the updated array at step S1120, and the process moves to stepS1122.

At step S1122, one or more distances D1 a-D1 n between the apparatus1000 and the locations a-n on the surface 1020 are determined. At stepS1124, a distance D2 between the apparatus 1000 and the image receivingsurface 1005 is determined. At step S1126, a distance D2 is determinedbetween the apparatus 1000 and the edge 1022 of the surface 1020. Atstep S1128, the system determines whether a distance D4 has beenpreviously determined. If not (e.g., the first time through the process)then the process moves to step S1130, wherein a distance D4 between theedges 1005 and 1007 of the image receiving surface 1005 is determined.If the distance D4 has been previously determined, then the processmoves to step S1132, where the initial array displayed at step S1118 iscalibrated based on the determined distances D1, D2, D3, and D4. StepS1132 may be similar to step S610 described above, wherein the processordetermines a factor to alter the image based on the distances D1, D2,D3, and D4. Finally, at step S1134, the display apparatus 1000 displaysan updated array on the image receiving surface 1005. The process thenrepeats until the apparatus 1000 is deactivated.

Referring now to FIG. 12, according to still another embodiment, a lightemitting apparatus 2000 is provided. The light emitting apparatus 2000is similar to the projection apparatus 200, except as described hereinor as may be inherent. Here, the light emitting apparatus 2000 includesa processor 2050 in data communication with a networking device 2100,one or more input/output devices 2150, and a memory 2200. The memory2200 includes programming 2250 operable to achieve the functionality ofthe light emitting apparatus 2000 as described herein. The networkingdevice 2100 can communicate over a network 2500 with a remote sharingapparatus 2700 (which may be multiple receiving panels 2700), whichlikewise has a networking device 2850, a processor 2750, and aninput/output device 2800. As is described in greater detail below, thesharing apparatus 2700 may receive information from the light emittingapparatus 2000 and sharing the information with a third party.

According to an embodiment, the input/output device 2150 includes alight source 2150 a operable to output light waves. It shall beunderstood that light waves as used herein includes electromagneticradiation of any wavelength, whether the electromagnetic radiation is inthe visible spectrum or not. The light source may include at least onelens for directing the light waves toward a receiving panel. As usedherein, the term “panel” is not limited to a flat or level surface, butmay include a flat or level surface, as well as a surface exhibitingundulations or waves. Therefore, a receiving panel can be any surfacetowards which the light waves are directed, regardless of the surfacecharacteristics exhibited by the surface.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the light source 2150 a emits light waves2152 toward a receiving panel 2160 at a projection angle Ω. Thereceiving panel 2160 may be transparent or opaque. The light waves 2152are received upon the receiving panel 2160. In embodiments where thelight waves 2152 are in the visible spectrum, the light waves 2152illuminate a pattern upon the receiving panel 2160 which may be visibleto the naked eye. In some embodiments, the light waves 2152 may not bein the visible spectrum, and therefore the light waves 2152 received bythe receiving panel 2160 may not be visible to the naked eye. The lightwaves 2152 may be adjusted to provide a focused pattern as described ingreater detail below regarding FIG. 15.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, at least two lightsources 2150 a and 2150 b are incorporated into the light emittingapparatus 2000. Here, the light sources 2150 a and 2150 b emit twodifferent light waves 2152 a and 2152 b towards the receiving panel2160. The first light wave 2152 a hits the receiving panel 2160 at pointP. The second light wave 2152 b hits the receiving panel at point P2.The respective light waves 2152 a and 2152 b may then be adjusted suchthat the light waves 2152 a and 2152 b meet at a focal point FP at thereceiving panel 2160. In embodiments, the meeting of the light waves2152 a and 2152 b at the focal point FP results in a haptic stimulationat the receiving panel 2160.

The input/output device 2150 may optionally additionally include acamera 2152 c operable to capture images or video of a display. Theimages or video from the camera 2152 c may be transmitted (e.g., overthe network 2500) to the sharing apparatus 2700. The sharing apparatus2700 may include a projector (e.g., as the output device 2800) forprojecting the image from the camera 2152 c to a third party. Inembodiments, the camera 2152 transmits, and the sharing apparatus 2700receives and projects, the images in real time to the third party. Inanother embodiment, the images and/or video from the camera 2152 arestored (e.g., in memory 2200) for later use.

FIG. 15 illustrates a closed loop system having various steps performedby the light emitting apparatus 2000 in conjunction with the programming2250 effected by the processor 2050. The process starts at step S3100,where the light emitting apparatus 2000 activates a light source 2150 toemit a light wave 2152 in the direction of a receiving panel 2160.Optionally at step S3100, a camera 2150 may also be activated to beginfilming the receiving panel 2160. At step S3110, the light emittingapparatus 2000 determines a distance D1 between the light source 2150and the receiving panel 2160. At step S3112, the apparatus 2000determines an edge of the panel 2160. Then, at step S3114, the apparatus2000 determines the distance D2 from the edge of the panel 2160 and thepoint P where the light wave 2152 hits the receiving panel 2160. At stepS3116, the programming determines the preferred point DP at which thelight wave 2152 should hit the panel 2160, and the distance D3 from theedge of the panel 2160 to the preferred point DP. The preferred point DPmay be based on environmental conditions in the area of the panel 2160,such as the current lighting, the angle of projection Ω, the distance D1from the light source 2150, etc. Because the environment changes, thepreferred point DP may also change. Accordingly, the process may beperformed iteratively to ensure that the light wave 2152 always hits thepanel 2160 at the preferred point DP. If D2 does not equal D3, then atstep S3118, the light source 2150 is adjusted accordingly. At stepS3120, the light source 2150 is activated to provide an adjusted lightwave in the direction of the receiving panel 2160. As noted above,because the preferred point DP may be in constant change due to a changein environmental conditions, the process then returns to step S3114 toensure that the light wave 2152 always hits the panel 2160 at thepreferred point DP. The process may repeat until the apparatus 2000 isdeactivated.

As described above, the apparatus 2000 may include more than one lightsource 2150 a, 2150 b. FIG. 16 illustrates a closed loop system havingvarious steps performed by the light emitting apparatus 2000 inconjunction with the programming 2250 effected by the processor 2050wherein the light emitting apparatus includes more than one light source2150 a, 2150 b. Here, the process begins at step S4100, where the lightsources 2150 a and 2150 b are concurrently activated. Optionally at stepS4100, a camera 2150 may also be activated to begin filming thereceiving panel 2160. At step S4110, the apparatus 2000 determines adistance D1 between the light sources 2150 a and the receiving panel2160. At step S4112, the apparatus 2000 determines the respective edgesof the panel 2160. Then, at step S4114, the apparatus 2000 determinesthe distances D2 a and D2 b from the respective edges of the panel 2160and the points P and P2 where the light wave 2152 a and 2152 brespectively hit the receiving panel 2160. At step S4116, theprogramming determines the focal point FP at which the light waves 2152a and 2152 b should combine to hit the panel 2160, and the distances D3a and D3 b from the edges of the panel 2160 to the focal point DP. If D2a does not equal D3 a, then at step S4118, the light source 2150 a isadjusted accordingly. Likewise, if D2 b does not equal D3 b, then thelight source 2150 b is adjusted accordingly. At step S4120, the lightsources 2150 a, 2150 b are activated to provide adjusted light waves2152 a′, 2152 b′ in the direction of the receiving panel 2160, whichconverge at focal point FP. Because of environmental changes, focalpoint FP may also change. Accordingly, the process may be performediteratively to ensure that the light waves 2152 a′, 2152 b′ alwaysconverge at the focal point FP. Thus, the process may returns to stepS4114 and repeat until the apparatus 2000 is deactivated. It shall beunderstood that the focal point FP may, but need not be directlyadjacent the panel 2160.

Thus has been described systems, methods, and apparatus for projectingan image onto a surface. Many different arrangements of the describedinvention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. Embodiments of the present invention aredescribed herein with the intent to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisanmay develop alternative means of implementing the disclosed improvementswithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.Not all steps listed in the various figures and description need to becarried out in the specific order described. The description should notbe restricted to the specific described embodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A light emitting system comprising: a lightemission apparatus spatially separated from a receiving panel, the lightemission apparatus comprising a processor in data communication with afirst light source and a computer memory, the computer memory comprisingmachine readable instructions that when effected by the processor,perform the following steps: (a) activate the first light source to emita first light wave in the direction of the receiving panel at anemission angle Ω1; (b) determine a distance D1 between the receivingpanel and the light emission apparatus; (c) determine a first edge ofthe receiving panel; (d) determine a first receiving location of thefirst light wave on the receiving panel; (e) determine a distance D2between the first edge of the receiving panel and the first receivinglocation; (f) adjust the first light source based on the distances D1,D2, and the emission angle Ω₁; and (g) activate the first light sourceto emit an adjusted first light wave in the direction of the receivingpanel.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second lightsource, and wherein the memory further comprises machine readableinstructions that, when effected by the processor, perform the followingsteps: (h) activate the second light source to emit a second light wavein the direction of the receiving panel at an emission angle Ω₂; (i)determine a second edge of the receiving panel; (j) determine a secondreceiving location of the second light wave on the receiving panel; (k)determine a distance D3 between the second edge of the receiving paneland the second receiving location; (l) adjust the second light sourcebased on the distances D1, D3, and the emission angle Ω₂; and (m)activate the second light source to emit an adjusted second light wavein the direction of the receiving panel.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the memory further comprises machine readable instructions that,when effected by the processor, perform the following steps: (m)determine a focal point at the receiving panel; (n) adjust the firstlight source and the second light source to emit the first adjustedlight wave and second adjusted light waves such that they converge atthe focal point.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the light sourceemits light waves in the visible spectrum.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the receiving panel is substantially transparent.
 6. The systemof claim 2, wherein the light emitting apparatus further comprises acamera, and wherein the camera records the first light wave and thefirst adjusted light wave received by the panel.
 7. The system of claim6, wherein the camera transmits the recording to a remote sharingapparatus, wherein the remote sharing apparatus projects the recordingonto a second receiving panel.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein theprojection of the recording onto the second receiving panel occurssubstantially simultaneously with the recording.
 9. The system of claim3, wherein the convergence of the light waves at the focal point resultsin a haptic stimulation.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein thereceiving panel is an area on a human body.
 11. A light emitting systemcomprising: a light emission apparatus spatially separated from areceiving panel, the light emission apparatus comprising a processor indata communication with a camera, a first light source, and a computermemory, the computer memory comprising machine readable instructionsthat, when effected by the processor perform the following steps: (a)activate the camera to record the receiving panel; (b) activate thefirst light source to emit a first light wave in the direction of thereceiving panel at an emission angle Ω₁; (c) determine a distance D1between the receiving panel and the light emission apparatus; (d)determine a first edge of the receiving panel; (e) determine a firstreceiving location of the first light wave on the receiving panel; (f)determine a distance D2 between the first edge of the receiving paneland the first receiving location; (g) adjust the first light sourcebased on the distances D1, D2, and the emission angle Ω₁; (h) activatethe first light source to emit an adjusted first light wave in thedirection of the receiving panel; and (i) transmit the recording fromthe camera to a sharing apparatus.
 12. The system of claim 11, whereinstep (i) occurs substantially simultaneously with step (a).
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, further comprising a second light source, andwherein the memory further comprises machine readable instructions that,when effected by the processor, perform the following steps: (j)activate the second light source to emit a second light wave in thedirection of the receiving panel at an emission angle Ω₂; (k) determinea second edge of the receiving panel; (l) determine a second receivinglocation of the second light wave on the receiving panel; (m) determinea distance D3 between the second edge of the receiving panel and thesecond receiving location; (n) adjust the second light source based onthe distances D1, D3, and the emission angle Ω₂; and (o) activate thesecond light source to emit an adjusted second light wave in thedirection of the receiving panel.
 14. The system of claim 13, whereinsteps (d) and (k) further comprise marking the respective edges of thereceiving panel.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the respectivelight waves are in the visible spectrum.
 16. The system of claim 11,wherein the first light wave is in the visible spectrum and comprises afirst image selected from a plurality of images stored in the computermemory.
 17. A light emitting system comprising: a light emissionapparatus spatially separated from a receiving panel, the light emissionapparatus comprising a processor in data communication with a firstlight source, a second light source, and a computer memory, the computermemory comprising machine readable instructions that, when effected bythe processor, perform the following steps: (a) activate the first lightsource to emit a first light wave in the direction of the receivingpanel at an emission angle Ω₁; (b) activate the second light source toemit a second light wave in the direction of the receiving panel at anemission angle Ω₂; (c) determine a distance D1 between the receivingpanel and the light emission apparatus; (d) determine a first edge and asecond edge of the receiving panel, the first and second edges beingparallel; (e) determine a first receiving location of the first lightwave on the receiving panel; (f) determine a second receiving locationof the second light wave on the receiving panel; (g) determine apreferred receiving location at the receiving panel; (h) adjust thefirst light source to emit an adjusted first light wave in the directionof the preferred receiving location; and (i) adjust the second lightsource to emit an adjusted second light wave in the direction of thepreferred receiving location.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein thepreferred receiving location is based on the distance D1, the emissionangle Ω₁, and the emission angle Ω₂.
 19. The system of claim 18, whereinthe respective light waves are in the visible spectrum.
 20. The systemof claim 18, wherein the receiving panel is substantially transparent.